Joshua 15:56 (KJV)

What does Joshua 15:56 mean?

Joshua 15:56 lists three towns—Jezreel, Jokdeam, and Zanoah—as part of the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of a larger section detailing the boundaries and cities belonging to Judah after the Israelites entered the Promised Land.

The book of Joshua records how the land of Canaan was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. In this chapter, the focus is on Judah’s inheritance. The verse simply names three specific towns within Judah’s allotted area, helping to define the tribe’s territory more clearly for the people at that time.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 15:56

• יִזְרְעֵאל (Yizre'el; Jezreel): This name is often understood as "God sows" or "God will sow." Its inclusion here marks a specific location in Judah, different from the more famous Jezreel in the north.
• יָקְדְּעָם (Yoqde'am; Jokdeam): The meaning is less certain, but the name identifies a distinct town within Judah’s territory, showing the diversity of settlements.
• זָנֹחַ (Zanoach; Zanoah): This name is often linked to the idea of "rejection" or "removal," but here it simply marks another Judahite town, helping to map out the land’s boundaries.

Why Joshua 15:56 matters

• Joshua 15:56 helps clarify that there were multiple places with the same or similar names in ancient Israel, so context is important for understanding which location is meant.
• Listing these towns shows the detailed record-keeping and careful division of land among the tribes, emphasizing the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Israel the land.
• The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how every part of Judah’s territory, even lesser-known towns, was considered significant in the biblical account.